Want to catch a guy's eye at a Halloween party this year? It helps if you wear the right costume.

You may have noticed that costumes for women have become increasingly provocative lately. I'm talking about hot Girl Scouts, hot schoolgirls, hot nurses, the so-called French maid, the hot Alice-in-Wonderland, and so on.

I'm sure you get the picture.

The New York Times said in an article in October 2006 that Carlos Mencia, the comedian, has taken note of the trend. He remarked that Halloween should be renamed "Dress Like a Whore Day."

He has a point.

Sure, it might be fun to look and feel sexy after being stuck in work clothes all week, but there are better ways to do it. There's more to being sexy--and getting male attention-- than by showing off every body part possible.

You're better off wearing a costume that emphasizes your femininity and beauty. It should offer a bit of mystery. A Girl Scout costume cut down to here and up to there leaves nothing to the imagination; therefore, you attract randy guys with no imagination.

If you show up in, say, a Scarlett O'Hara costume that shows off your pretty shoulders, face, and neck, you're going to attract a different guy than the woman dressed in the French Maid's outfit. And, since so many women are eager to wear overly provocative costumes, you're going to stand out.

Another thing: Avoid wearing costumes that make you look ugly. The cool thing about Halloween is that it allows you to live out a fantasy. Wear costumes that make you look and feel special. Show off your assets and hide your liabilities .

Wear a shirt in a body-conscious fabric instead of a bra top; it's elegant and alluring. If you have good legs, wear a skirt with a slit in it. You can be a really sexy witch without ever resorting to wearing a costume the size of a bandage.

The most important thing: Make having fun your goal, not meeting men or hooking up with a certain guy you've had your eye on. Keep your attention on your friends and not on the door. You'll be so much more attractive. Men are attracted to women who know how to have a good time.